Rim Help!!
- Thread starter Detailmiked
- Start date
Migue
New member
Welcome.
tom p.
Active member
Mike, welcome aboard!
Are you using a wheel cleaner on a regular basis? Do you dry the wheels after washing? Have you applied wax/coating to the wheel for a bit of additional protection?
Are you using a wheel cleaner on a regular basis? Do you dry the wheels after washing? Have you applied wax/coating to the wheel for a bit of additional protection?
Detailmiked
New member
I clean the wheels first. Maybe they are drying with spots while I was the rest of the truck. Haven't applied wax yet. I'm waiting to see if I can remove these spots. I've heard mothers mag & aluminum polish might work but I don't want to cause extra damage.
Detailmiked
New member
Thanks
mjlinane
My name is Mike
RaysWay
Autopia Specialist
Have you tried using anything to remove the waterspots yet?
Start with the least aggressive method and work your way up to remove the water spots. I'd try a quick detailer or waterless wash first (waterless wash should work better because it has more detergents and cleaners).
If that doesn't work, try a non abrasive cleaner/polish like Klasse AIO or BLACKFIRE Gloss Enhancing Polish or even a Cleaner Wax. Even a non abrasive water spot remover would be a good choice (CarPro Spotless, 3D Eraser, Optimum MDR)
If that doesn't work, try a quality finishing polish or mild metal polish like FLITZ (Flitz is nice because it's safe on both clearcoated and machined surfaces).
In the future applying a protectant to the wheels would help prevent stubborn water spots. Also, make sure you're washing the car when it has completely cooled down. You can also add a capful of Optimum No Rinse to your shampoo bucket to help prevent water spots. If you notice your wheels are prone to water spotting, consider washing them AFTER you wash and dry the rest of the car. I know it sounds like you'd be working backwards, but you just may have to do it that way.
Also, if you really want to make sure you don't get water spots try cleaning 2 wheels at a time (on the same side of the truck) and immediately drying them with a blower (Metro SideKick, MasterBlaster, Turbo Car Dryer, Lead Blower, etc).
Accumulator
Well-known member
Hope the spots aren't the (often permanent) result of using the wrong cleaner (often a highly alkaline one).
Detailmiked- Welcome to Autopia! If you want/need to use an abrasive product to solve the problem, I caution you to *NOT* use an "aluminum polish" as that (very harsh) stuff is for *bare* aluminum only and your wheels have a factory clear on them (which is often a clear powdercoat). You *really* don't want to damage that clear lest the problem go from bad to worse.
Detailmiked- Welcome to Autopia! If you want/need to use an abrasive product to solve the problem, I caution you to *NOT* use an "aluminum polish" as that (very harsh) stuff is for *bare* aluminum only and your wheels have a factory clear on them (which is often a clear powdercoat). You *really* don't want to damage that clear lest the problem go from bad to worse.
Poorboy
Founder Poorboy's World
Welcome to Autopia ..
We see this all the time, but mostly with aftermarket wheels where the designer thought it would be cool to have part clear and part bare aluminum.
Since they are new, you will not need an abrasive product, you just need to reverse the chemical reaction. Poorboy's Chrome Polish / Final Metal Polish will do the trick easily.
Like some have said above, you are best off using a Wheel Sealant on them after they are cleaned and then only use PH neutral soaps to maintain. Unfortunately as time goes on this process will
need to be repeated as you can slow oxidation, but you can't stop it and the bare aluminum parts will need to be polished again as a maintenance.
We see this all the time, but mostly with aftermarket wheels where the designer thought it would be cool to have part clear and part bare aluminum.
Since they are new, you will not need an abrasive product, you just need to reverse the chemical reaction. Poorboy's Chrome Polish / Final Metal Polish will do the trick easily.
Like some have said above, you are best off using a Wheel Sealant on them after they are cleaned and then only use PH neutral soaps to maintain. Unfortunately as time goes on this process will
need to be repeated as you can slow oxidation, but you can't stop it and the bare aluminum parts will need to be polished again as a maintenance.
Detailmiked
New member
Thanks for all the suggestions! Will try some and see how it turns out.
The Guz
Mike
Are these factory wheels?
Detailmiked
New member
Yes, factory rims.
The Guz
Mike
Most factory wheels if not all of them are clear coated. Thus treat them like paint and you will be good.
nothingface5384
New member
Gords aluminum polish
Best I've used so far for aluminum and SS trim
I'll be comparing wenol blue at some point on a 75 Hornet AL door seal plate.
I've tried flitz...but did twice the work of agitating in to get less then half the results..
Best I've used so far for aluminum and SS trim
I'll be comparing wenol blue at some point on a 75 Hornet AL door seal plate.
I've tried flitz...but did twice the work of agitating in to get less then half the results..
Poorboy
Founder Poorboy's World
Unfortunately Most is the operative word , some Mfgs are trying to be cute putting an unfinished lip or design along with the 99% cleared wheel ..go figure
GM does this with some of their trucks :rant: